Employee wellbeing has become a defining factor in corporate real estate, shaping the way companies choose and engage with office spaces. In Boston’s competitive market, where top-tier tenants seek work environments that prioritize both productivity and personal health, landlords must evolve their properties to meet these changing demands. More than ever, the quality of office amenities, ranging from natural light and indoor greenery to fitness and relaxation spaces, plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining top tenants.
Understanding this dynamic is key to creating workspaces that truly support tenant needs.
Wellness priorities and workplace satisfaction
Leesman data underscores the growing importance of wellbeing in the workplace, with 62.6% of employees agreeing that their workplace positively impacts their overall wellbeing. However, only 60.1% believe their office supports their physical health, and even fewer, 49.4%, feel they have access to spaces that allow them to mentally refresh when exhausted.
One of the most sought-after wellness features is natural light, with 69.1% of North American employees citing it as important to their work experience. Yet, satisfaction with natural light is significantly lower, at just 56.9%. Similarly, 41.9% of employees say plants and greenery matter to them, but only 28% feel their workplace provides an adequate amount. These statistics point to a clear opportunity for landlords: investing in biophilic elements throughout a building can significantly enhance tenant satisfaction.
Fitness amenities are another area of interest. Leisure facilities, such as onsite gyms or wellness centers, are considered important to 44.3% of employees in North America. Yet, HqO’s Boston booking data suggests a stark contrast between perceived importance and actual usage. Gym bookings and sleep pod reservations account for less than 1% of total bookings in the past year, which could indicate that while employees express a preference for these facilities, their integration into daily routines may be limited. Alternatively, it could indicate that the features on offer are often not available, or the quality is not adequate in employees’ minds.
In contrast, lounges have proven to be the most actively used wellness-oriented space, accounting for 65% of all amenity bookings in Boston over the past year. This suggests that tenants tend to gravitate toward informal, flexible spaces that allow for both collaboration and mental breaks throughout the working day. This could also indicate that lounges are the amenity most on offer in Boston buildings that would lend to employee wellness throughout the day.
For landlords looking to optimize their offering, these insights reveal a strategic path forward. While gym facilities and sleep pods may be seen as premium amenities the facilities on offer must be in line with expectations for these spaces, from the quality of the space to the hours of operation consistent with differing daily schedules. Investing in highly adaptable, communal spaces may yield greater tenant engagement; lounges, break-out areas, and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces not only support social interaction but also serve as essential environments for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Additionally, addressing the gap in natural light and greenery presents a tangible way to enhance the tenant experience. Optimizing window placement, incorporating more indoor plants, and designing spaces with biophilic principles can bridge the discrepancy between importance and satisfaction. Small adjustments in design can make a substantial impact on how tenants perceive and utilize their workspace.
Ultimately, wellness-driven spaces are no longer just an added luxury, they are a necessity in today’s office market. By prioritizing design elements that tenants truly value and actively use, landlords in Boston can differentiate their properties, boost tenant retention, and create workplaces that foster both productivity and wellbeing.
Take the next step: Assess your property’s wellness strategy
To stay competitive in the evolving corporate real estate landscape, landlords must align their properties with tenant priorities. HqO’s data-driven approach can help identify which wellness features will have the greatest impact on tenant engagement. Contact our team today for a Property Assessment and discover how to optimize your building’s wellness offerings for long-term success.
